Job 6 · Clearspring

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

¹Then Job replied:+ ²“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.+ ³For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas — no wonder my words have been rash.+ ⁴For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.+ ⁵Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?+ ⁶Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?+ ⁷My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.+ ⁸If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:+ ⁹that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!+ ¹⁰It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.+ ¹¹What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?+ ¹²Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?+ ¹³Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?+ ¹⁴A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.+ ¹⁵But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,+ ¹⁶darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,+ ¹⁷but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.+ ¹⁸Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.+ ¹⁹The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.+ ²⁰They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.+ ²¹For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.+ ²²Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;+ ²³deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?+ ²⁴Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.+ ²⁵How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?+ ²⁶Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?+ ²⁷You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.+ ²⁸But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?+ ²⁹Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.+ ³⁰Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?’’+

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

Study Job 6